Direct debit fraud
Under certain conditions, businesses can automatically invoke a direct debit transaction from the checking account.
The European law has changed on 1 October 2014. Since then it allows business-to-business SEPA direct debit transactions, only controlled by the supplier. Because organisations have the obligation to publish their bank account number publicly on their website, this becomes an open door for financial fraud.
Fraud example
[edit]- At once, in August 2022 the bank performed a direct debit transaction, initiated by an unknown international company, without any offer, invoice or previous contact for more than 3000 €.
Defence
[edit]Via internet banking:
- You have 8 weeks to reverse the fraudulent transaction via your banking application (refund) without the need for a formal interaction with the bank, or further motivation.
- You can block specific third party bank account numbers (the minimum amount can be set to 1 €c)
Via the government:
- Beyound the 8 weeks, you can register a complaint with the government, in order to recuperate the amount.
- When needed, you could contact the bank to notify the fraudulent transaction.
Advice
[edit]- Carefully verify your bank transactions at least every month.
Contacts
[edit]Government
[edit]Contact Center van de FOD Economie
Tel. : 0800 120 33 (gratis nr.)
E-mail: info.eco@economie.fgov.be
Website: www.economie.fgov.be